Racism And Me

It Happens 

In case anyone hasn’t noticed my skin color is not lily white. So, during the course of my life I’ve been on the receiving end of racism. Racists come in all shapes and sizes and try unsuccessfully to disguise the hatred and loathing in their hearts. 

My first encounter was not really what I would classify as racist, more curiosity. I was in the first grade and a little blond girl with blue eyes was talking to me. I was extremely shy and would not have initiated a conversation. She innocently asked me, “why is your skin darker than mine?” It was the catalyst, the start of something which set me apart from other kids. I realized I was different. Being different is not necessarily a bad thing. But apparently being darker skinned is.

School Is Hard

Let’s fast forward to high school. History class. It was reenactment day and my instructor put forth a scenario where a slave, and his master were engaging with one another. I, of course, was the slave and the master was a random classmate who was thoroughly enjoying his role. To say he humiliated me in front of the entire class is an understatement. It was classic annihilation. He destroyed my inner self-it was as if I ceased to exist. He called me the N word numerous times while he quite literally roughed me up. Shoving me to the floor, as if I wasn’t humiliated enough. Not one person came to my rescue, including the teacher who looked on in fascination. He didn’t try to intervene or stop anything. I believe the teacher was as racist as the boy who stood opposite me. I’ll never forget his last name. It was Gulseth. It is inevitably etched into my mind. School was only the beginning. 

In The Workplace

I have encountered racism in the workplace also. Quoting a couple instances at two different jobs will not make it go away. It is not important what was said, it is only important that it happened.  Not only people of color are at the receiving end of it. 

I feel empathy for anyone who has encountered it. Racism is alive and running wild in this world we live in. We have all watched stories on the news. Most likely we have all witnessed someone shaming another who is different than they are because of race or creed. Their smile hides the darkness and wickedness inside their soul, their contempt and animosity apparent on their faces.

Hate Groups

Others wear it like a badge of honor. We’ve all heard of White Supremacy groups, the KKK with their white robes and hooded faces. Often violence is the answer with these people. Their hearts and souls are empty and badness churns deep within them. Again, they are spoon fed unrealistic views and horrific tales of horror since childhood by their parents. They grow up believing the white race is superior to all other races, and therefore should dominate the world. 

Adolf Hitler

Neo-Nazis, dating back to Germany and Hitler’s days. Hitler, an immoral ruler who tried unsuccessfully to eradicate and wipe out an entire race of people. I often wondered who made him God so he could pick and choose who lived and who died. Those who were lucky enough to live through his reign of terror carry scars we cannot fathom.

Young And Innocent

Aren’t we all born with an innocence, that is too soon stolen. It fades and is replaced with our public-school systems. This is where it begins, a childlike gullibility lost within the hallways and classrooms of teacher and student. This is where our kids first hear the words, they are better off not hearing. That is unless it's crafted and taught in their own home. Racism raises its ugly head in too many homes across this great country. Don’t let it be your own. It only takes one word we are all familiar with to raise a small seed of doubt in a young child’s mind. Racism and dislike are spread rapidly and repeatedly from one generation to the next. Stop preaching hatred and division to your kids.

For those who have never encountered racism, count yourself one of the lucky ones. It isn't pretty, it's ugly and has no place in this world.

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The color of your skin doesn’t matter. The love in your eyes and heart does.

Let’s all keep pretending everything will be ok. Because that’s what we do.

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